Documenti di Didattica
Documenti di Professioni
Documenti di Cultura
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merciad.mercyhurst.edu
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NEWS
We have a lot of interested prospective students, but we have a strict selection process, said Rogers. Not only do they need to meet the standards of the institution, they also must interview with me, and then we select 20 students. Not only was the school ranked for its LD program, it was also awarded third place for its Asperger Initiative program, a subset of LD, which was ranked among Drexel, Rutgers and Boston universities. Asperger Syndrome is the mildest form of autism, said Rogers. Over the years, autism has become known as a spectrum disorder, and we are attracting students at this highest end of the spectrum. The Asperger Initiative at Mercyhurst (AIM) began in the late 2000s after an article in 2003 proposed a large number of students with autism would be heading for colleges and universities in the coming years. The program was greatly inuenced by Associate Professor Ken Schiff, Ph.D., who had prior dealings with people with Asperger. There were no models for us to use because it was so new, said Schiff. Even now, there are not more than 20 really structured programs out there. While the program is one of a
October 5, 2011
In the front row are Rebecca Ruch and Elaine Ruggiero. In the back row are Lori Kaveney, Christina Jenkins and Dianne Rogers. The staff is a huge support for special needs students.
kind, Rogers said its not about the program but the students they are helping. Its been a great success, but like with any new initiative, there are growing pains, said Rogers. Weve learned a lot, and we are trying to use those to make the program stronger and continue to improve it. There are different ways to evaluate the program, said Rogers. The role of the program and the place of student conduct have to be kept tightly together because being quirky and having unusual behaviors dont mean that you have the right to break school laws and put yourself and other students at risk. Director of Residence Life Alice Agnew agreed that AIM students need to be held to the same standard as all students. If a student is seen to violate a rule and is documented for the behavior, it will be addressed through student conduct, said Agnew. Ultimately its about getting the students in the program ready for the real world. To do this, We are talking about hiring some job coaches to train the students for interviews. People who dont interview well, people who dont make eye contact, people who twitchtheyre not going to get a job, especially with all the people out there looking for jobs, Rogers said. Overall, Rogers says the program has put the school on the map. There have been rough patches, but I look at other programs in comparison to ours, and we not only have great students, but we provide them with an opportunity
to get a degree and have a great time doing it, said Rogers. Some of the situations that weve had to deal with have made me less tolerant, but while we may have a problem with one student, there are three more that are doing great and succeeding. Junior Paige Bosnyak commented on having the LD program at the college. It adds diversity and a great support system to Mercyhurst, she said. Junior Maura Hunter agreed. Its more than just a program; its a community thing, she said. Rogers attributes much of the success to the administration for its support of the program. A lot of our success has been aided by President Gamble and Dr. Tobin, both of whom are trained psychologists and see the importance in these things, said Rogers. They have helped us, supported us and were sympathetic to the mission. Vice President of Student Life Gerard Tobin, Ph.D., said, The program just felt like a missionappropriate thing to do, he said. It t our identity. Tobin said that the program has come a long way to reach its current form, and now all there is to do is wait. Weve created the program, now we need to cycle it through a couple times and solidify it, he said.
October 5, 2011
NEWS
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Health Center
By Stacy Skiavo
Staff writer
Its that time of year again. The season for snifes, coughs and sore throats is upon us once more. The Mercyhurst College Cohen Student Health Center is here to help aid in the ght against sickness. On Tuesday, Oct. 11, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. there will be an open clinic in the Egan Faculty Dining Room that will be giving out free u shots. No appointments are needed to obtain the shots on these days. However, this is not the only time students can receive the u shot. Appointments can be made for Monday, Oct. 10, from 3 to 5:30 p.m. at the Health Center. There will be additional appointments available if needed after fall break. Shots may also be given in January and February depending on remaining vaccine supplies. The free shots are offered to all students, administration, faculty, staff members and trustees as well as spouses of these people. The only exclusion is that children may not receive the vaccine. It is up to each student to decide whether to get the u shot. Some dont deem it necessary. I dont nd it necessary for college students to have to get u shots. I feel like thats something that people of an older age need to worry about, junior James Whitaker said. Junior Aaron Loncki agreed. I have never gotten one, and I dont think I need one. I havent had the u in years and am not worried about getting it this year, he said. The injection includes a combined vaccine of three strands of the u vaccine including two seasonal u strains as well as H1N1, all in one shot. The strands protect against the most common viruses from the previous year. The level of effectiveness of the shot depends on such factors as age and health status. The risks are few and entail slight redness or soreness at the area of injection. An allergic reaction will most likely occur only if the recipient is also allergic to eggs. All of this information will be explained prior to receiving the shot. By the end of the season in 2010, 565 shots were given out to Health Center patients. I think the number will be about the same as last year. We start out with big clinics and then take individual appointments, Executive Director of Wellness Judy Smith, Ph.D., said. Flu shots are not the only reason people visit the Health Center. Many make appointments there year round for various illnesses. Appointments were more full than usual. Many have been coming for strep throat, upper respiratory stuff and stomach bugs. On average we have been seeing about 15 people a day that come for a doctors help and to possibly receive an antibiotic, Smith said. People seem to get sick around this time of year from being in such close quarters. However, there are ways to prevent these diseases. The best advice is to get enough sleep and keep a healthy diet. In addition, people need to wash their hands thoroughly and frequently throughout the day to avoid getting sick.
For the most part I think it could be better lit. Police and Safety has stepped up--they now have a taser on staff. I am from Massachusetts and every campus back home has at least three guns. Beyond that, I feel safe here. Pat Coit, junior
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NEWS
Marys Garden. He said no signage for the university has been decided on, so this garden is a possible place for a Mercyhurst University sign. The gates, which say Mercyhurst College, will not be changed. Rubino talked about how important the Blessed Mother is and how she relates to Mercyhurst. Mary was a woman of great faith and courage, said Rubino. Thats a powerful example to remind ourselves of. To remember that is a good thing. Once the idea came about for the garden, plans were drawn and Rubino showed them to a donor. The donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, donated $200,000 for the garden. The total cost of the garden will be less than $251,000 plus landscaping costs, which will be about $25,000, Rubino said. The remaining funds for the garden come from the $114,000 that was left over from the entrance-way renovation, which included planting trees and adding sidewalks near the gates. As part of the creation of Marys Garden, the statue of Mary, which has been in front of Old Main since the 1950s, has to be restored. The marble statue had ngers and toes missing. The statue needs almost a complete overhaul, Rubino said. As part of the restoration of the statue, Mary will face toward the campus gates. In the past, her back
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This rendering from the construction company shows what the area will look like upon its completion. There will also be another walkway further north leading to the new building.
was always toward them. Rubino said the statue probably faced and protected the nuns and students inside Old Main. Turning her out to bless the college and the city is the better thought, he said. Since the purpose of the garden is to be a peaceful and quiet area to relax, the circular drive will no longer be open to cars unless there are large events happening on campus. The gates will be closed at the bottom of the drive to block entrance to cars. The reecting pool, which has lights and will be between 12 and 18 inches deep, will add to the relaxing atmosphere. During the winter, the pool will be covered. Junior Chelsea Morris said she liked the idea of having the reect-
ing pool, but she does not like that the construction is taking place now. I think it was stupid to have construction during Parents Weekend, she said. The basic concrete structure of the garden will be completed in early November, but landscaping will not be completed until the spring. The statue should be back in March.
October 5, 2011
FEATURES
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ically and politically. Handerhan pointed out, In a world where women make less on the dollar than their male equivalents, or only hold a small percentage of seats in our Congress, we are striving to shed light on the fact that gender equality doesnt MEOW is not a manexist, even in the 21st century. Moss said the club hopes to hating club. We are reach out to Mercyhurst stusimply just trying to raise dents, the community and on a awareness about gender global scale. currently workMEOW is ing with the schools yearlong equality. Lauren Moss observance of Exploring Gender & Relationships by bringing in several speakers. Moss met Caitlin Handerhan, the It also plans on playing lms clubs vice president, in a class last and taking action by becoming spring, and they decided to work involved in things like the Big together to create a gender equal- Brothers & Big Sisters organizaity group on campus because they tion. It hopes to educate younger were both very passionate about the people about gender equality and subject. the importance of having a posiThe mission of MEOW is to tive self-image. strive for gender equality for both Its rst activity is a guest speaker males and females socially, econom- from Melbourne University, Dr. Lauren Rosewarne. She is the author of several books, and she will be delivering a lecture at Mercyhurst in Hirt 314, on Oct. 11, at 4:30 p.m. titled The Sisterhood of Indelity. MEOW is currently still working to gain students interest. Although the club has received some backlash from males about the club being against males, the club thrives for gender equality all across the board, said SurzhkoHarned. Moss explained, MEOW is not a man hating club. We are simply just trying to raise awareness about gender equality. MEOW stands for equality of both genders, and the club welcomes anyone who is interested in joining, males included. So far they have spread the news by word-of-mouth, and soon there will be posters around campus encouraging students to join their group. If you are interested in the club, check out its Facebook page, MEOW: Mercyhurst Equality of Women, or you can email the club at mercyhurstequalityofwomen@ gmail.com. MEOWs next meeting will be held Thursday at 8:15 p.m. in 211 Old Main.
After being voted for by the student body, our homecoming king and queen, Shane McCabe and Lindsay Cox were announced Saturday at halftime of the football game. For those who are not familiar with the new king and queen, here is some information about them. What is your major? McCabe: Art Therapy Cox: Business Management with a minor in Strategic Communication What activities are you involved in? McCabe: Im an ultimate Frisbee addict. I became the president of Mercyhursts ultimate Frisbee club and intramural sophomore year, and I couldnt be happier about that. Besides that, painting, working with ceramics, dancing without shame and listening to music are my other favorite activities. Cox: I am the Ambassador Club President, Student Alumni Association Vice President, Chair of the Senior Class Gift Committee and 2011 Student Chair of Summer Orientation and Welcome Week. Were you excited to nd out you were nominated for king and
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FEATURES
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When it is done brewing, pour the hot coffee into a pitcher, and let it sit out to cool off. When it is room temperature, put it in the fridge and it is ready to enjoy. When you go to drink your cold coffee, make sure you ll the glass or travel cup with ice. Add cream or sugar to your taste. Ive found that Half and Half is the best because the coffee is still strong, but the drink is creamy and delicious. This is the travel cup that I use every day. In my opinion, iced coffee always tastes better when you drink it through a straw. For more DIY ideas, visit lavendersbluee.blogspot.com DIY College Style will be a weekly column featuring two college students blogs on quick and easy tips about crafts and food.
The Cohen Student Health Center has a variety of information on breast cancer, its effects, treatments and how to nd the disease early.
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closed the show and earned him a standing ovation was a work inspired by wooden instruments of Africa. This work had an extremely fast tempo and was interesting in that Dyens used the full capacity of the guitar by banging on it and picking violently at the strings. This created sounds one would not think could be produced by the instrument. Overall, the songs that were played were simple. Yet Dyens was such an accomplished musician that when he played, it sounded as though there were instruments other than the guitar accompanying him on stage. Numerous audience members agreed that the artist was extremely gifted. Mercyhurst music major, junior Sarah Matson agreed. The way in which he transitioned from soft sounds to heavy chords was very incredible, she said. Freshman Andria Andjelic, also a music major at Mercyhurst, perhaps sums up Roland Dyens the best. He said that Dyens simply had a beautiful, magical style to his work.
Roland Dyens spoke to the audience in between every number about the title of the piece and what it was about.
Rachael Burke, a professor of art at Edinboro University, is presenting a show in the Cummings Art Gallery from Sept. 27 to Oct. 30. The show is titled New Concerns and consists of large gurative paintings of people who appear to be in constant motion.
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October 5, 2011
estinian community. They are seen as a serious threat to security by the Israeli military. By refusing to participate in offensive military actions against Palestinian civilians, Yonatan has been branded a traitor by some Israelis and can no longer work in his homeland. Sami, Yonatan and Ahmad continue to embrace equality for all, keeping the hope alive that peace in the Holy Land can be achieved through nonviolent struggle. Little Town of Bethlehem will be shown on Wednesday, Oct. 5 in the PAC. The lm will show at 2:15 and 7:15 p.m. Tickets are free for Mercyhurst students with an ID.
October 5, 2011
OPINION
The views expressed in the opinion section of The Merciad do not necessarily reflect the views of Mercyhurst College, the staff of The Merciad or the Catholic Church. Responses on any subject are always welcomed and can be e-mailed to opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu.
committed by the United States. Controversy over al-Awlakis death, however, has not centered on this discussion directly. Mainstream media outlets are instead xated on whether his death was warranted given the fact that he was a U.S. citizen. The issues with this are abundant, the least of which is the framing of the question, which implies that a U.S. citizen should have extended human rights exclusionary to others. The discourse on this matter is in keeping with traditional nationalistic rhetoric, which begins to dehumanize those of different nations. It is this underlying assumption that allows us to support a war on terror that has killed more innocent civilians overseas than Americans killed on 9/11 and terrorist militants combined. When cast in this light, it seems American foreign policy has come to resemble the very thing we despise most. What have we become, when as the leaders of the free world we are prepared and willing to disregard morals and embrace hypocritical policy to win a political war? I am not a radical Muslim sympathizer prepared to disregard acts of terrorism committed against us, but rather a patriotic citizen concerned with the moral direction of our foreign policy.
The Merciad is the official student-produced newspaper of Mercyhurst College. It is published throughout the school year, with the exception of finals weeks. Our office is in Hirt, Room 120B. Our telephone number is (814) 824-2376. The Merciad welcomes letters to the editor. All letters must be signed and names will be included with the letters. Although we will not edit the letters for content, we reserve the right to trim letters to fit. Letters are due Mondays. by noon and may not be more than 300 words. Submit letters to box PH 485 or via e-mail at opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu.
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OPINION
The views expressed in the opinion section of The Merciad do not necessarily reflect the views of Mercyhurst College, the staff of The Merciad or the Catholic Church. Responses on any subject are always welcomed and can be e-mailed to opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu.
By Brian Lombardo
The campus community gathered last Thursday evening to celebrate the life of student Evann Parker, who passed away from complications from leukemia in August. Led by golf teammates Breda Knott and Lindsey Gotkin, the memorial was a touching tribute to Evann.
The presidency of the United States is the highest ofce in the land, and the president has arguably the greatest means to leave his (or her) legacy on the country for generations to come. As an institution created by our founding fathers, it should follow that the ofce itself (note: not necessarily the person living at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.), should garner the greatest amount of respect from the public. While citizens have the right to voice their disagreement with the presidents policies, goals and ideology, as outlined in the First Amendment, they should always do so in a civil manner. Unfortunately, it seems all remnants of civility have been lost from todays political discourse, and many in public ofce have turned to personal attacks on the president as a means of
expressing their disagreement with his policies. Even before President Obamas landslide election in 2008, Republicans (especially those most right) have been on the constant prowl for opportunities to publicly attack him in preparation for the 2012 election. Their claims have ranged from reasonable disputes over domestic and foreign policy to wild accusations about his citizenship and religion. It is these outrageous remarks, made by tea-party activists and right-wingers like Michelle Bachman and Rush Limbaugh, that are the most disturbing and harmful to the idea of governing civilly and productively. How many times, for example, have we heard so-called birthers argue that President Obama was not born in the United States but in either Kenya or Hawaii before it became part of the Union? Never mind the fact that the president released his birth certicate prior to his election in 2008 and its longform in April 2011. Forget the fact that Hawaii joined the Union
August 21, 1959 one year and 348 days before Obama was born on August 4, 1961. People, like Donald Trump who launched a brief and laughable bid to run for president this year, will continue to harp on this issue because they have no real ideas on how to help America regain its economic footing. Similarly, there has been much debate over the presidents chosen religion. As of August 2010, when the latest poll of its kind was taken, 18 percent of Americans still believe that President Obama is a Muslim. Forget the fact that these are some of the same people who attacked Obama during the campaign for his two decade-long afliation with the Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago after his pastor, Jeremiah Wright, made inammatory remarks about the U.S. during sermons. Some make these falsied claims because his middle name is Hussein, a reason they cite as proof of his religion. Surely, this is absurd. I must have missed the Sunday
school lesson discussing how your name dictates which religion you must choose when you are a grown adult. Finally, let us look back to President Obamas September 2009 address to a Joint Session of Congress on healthcare, when SC Rep. Joe Wilson shouted, You lie! after the president said the law would not cover illegal immigrants. No matter your feelings on healthcare reform, surely you must agree that this was an act of blatant disrespect to the ofce of the president of the United States. These disgusting personal attacks toward the president are just one symptom of the many problems of a broken Washington. Heated debate is welcome and is certainly healthy in forging Americas future. But it is imperative all partisans (on both sides of the aisle) raise their standards and use this passionate discussion in a productive way that shows the public our leaders care more about our jobs than their own. Idealistic? Maybe. Necessary? Absolutely.
Despite green initiatives on campus, upperclassmen are nding it hard to recycle when maintenance refuses to provide the clear recycling bags students use to sort and dispose of recyclable items.
O e Online
After leading at the half, the Gannon Knights overcame a substantial decit to deliver a Laker loss on Homecoming. The likely loss of quarterback Travis Rearick makes it even worse.
tic love to the point that other kinds of love are often pushed to the wayside. My favorite translation of the famous Corinthians I, chapter 13 the love is patient, love is kind chapter replaced the word love with charity. In the English language, love implies a bidirectional attachment between two entities. But unconditional love for humanity as a whole, charity, I always understood that to be one of the main tenets of Christianity. Do you think it can be met with people using the Good Book to perpetuate insequality?
Merciad. Mercyhurst.edu/Opinion
October 5, 2011
Sports
By Lindsey Burke
Sports writer
ing spot in goal. She has been the starting goalkeeper for the last three years, and her maturity, leadership and hard work makes her a good t for our program and the graduate school. That is why she is one of the team captains, Cammidge said. On the season, Griepsma has four shutouts, 31 saves and a .721 save percentage. Her success has been continuing to grow and develop, backed by her hard work, coaches and teammates in each respective sport. She says she feels that she has grown equally in both, not one over the other. She explained being a dual-athlete as busy, but I wouldnt change it for anything. Griepsma feels the biggest adrenaline rush when shes in goal. Being the last line of defense, you feel a sense of accomplishment, that you have helped to lift the team, she said. After playing limited minutes freshman year, Griepsma nally earned her start in goal. The patience paid off when the team beat Edinboro 4-1. That would denitely be my most memorable game, she said. Griepsma has racked up the accolades both in the water and on the eld. As a water polo player, she has received ACWPC First Team All-American, All-CWPA Western Division First Team and CWPA Western Division Rookie of the Year. As an All-American Water Polo Player, Rachel has accomplished a lot in the classroom and the Mercyhurst Sports arena, Cammidge said. She will be missed. Once grad school is completed, Griepsma hopes to be a strength and conditioning coach and work with athletes who have a strong love and passion for their sport, inuenced by the same passion she feels for both of hers. After ve years of experience, Griepsma believes that every freshman should know that time management is key. Griepsma and the womens soccer team will be back on the eld Thursday, Oct. 6, at Ohio Dominican.
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Football loses star quarterback
The Mercyhurst football team suffered a major loss Saturday against rival Gannon. Aside from the 30-27 nal score, the Lakers also lost senior quarterback Travis Rearick for the season. Rearick tore his ACL and MCL ligaments and lateral meniscus. Rearick suffered the injury during the third quarter of the Lakers loss. After Rearick was hurt, the Lakers unraveled and lost the lead and eventually the game to the Golden Knights. Rearick was on record pace this season. He left Saturdays game fourth all-time in career passing yards in team history. Also hurting from the loss will be senior wide reciever Trevor Kennedy. Rearick and Kennedy formed one of the best connections in program history. Almost half of Rearicks passing yards this season have gone to Kennedy. Sophomore Anthony Vendemia stepped in for the injured Rearick, and presumably will be the starter going forward.
Graduate student Rachel Griepsma has brought leadership and stability to a young womens soccer team.
Coach Gotkin and the mens hockey team are focused on rebounding from last seasons 15-18-4 record, not the conference changes.
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Junior transfer Gina Buquet had one assist in her rst series as a Laker. She will be relied on to step into the line-up on a young Lakers team.
Both players also managed to nd a place they are familiar with. Wayne State has played Mercyhurst four times a year since joining the CHA in 2002. I was very familiar with the success here, and I wanted to nish off my career with a chance to win, Szandzik said. Both players are grateful to have found a new team and are looking to help the Lakers capture a 10th straight CHA title. I dont plan on just stepping in right away and taking over, I know I need to work hard, Szandzik said. We are embracing being at Mercyhurst, and we are all in, Buquet said. So far, the pair has played well
Senior Jill Szandzik is looking to nish her college hockey career strong. She will be one of only three defenders with college experience. Szandzik and captain Pam Zgoda should be one of the top defensive tandems in college hockey.
with their new team. The Lakers are 1-1 to start off the year and will travel to Minnesota State Univer-